Scouting Report: Minnesota Wild

Scouting Report: Minnesota WildKeep an eye on these Minnesota skaters when the Flames challenge the Wild on Monday

ST. PAUL, MN -- Looking to make noise in a tightening Western Conference playoff chase, the Minnesota Wild have won four straight games, tying its longest streak this season. They’ve also earned points in 10 of their past 12 games.

The hot stretch doesn’t stop there, however.

Since Jan. 2, the Wild are 13-4-2 and leads the NHL in winning percentage (.737), save percentage (.931) and goals against average (2.05). They’re also tied for second in points (28) and fourth in wins.

This Season: 33-21-7, 73 points (7th in West)Last Season: 26-19-3, 55 points (8th in Wast)Notable Injuries: Jason Zucker (lower body) has missed the past two games. Goaltender Josh Harding has also missed 19 games this season due to illness.

SEASON SERIES

Flames Season Series Record: 1-1-0

WHO'S HOT

ZACH PARISE

Parise is currently riding a three-game point streak and has amassed 11 points in his last seven games. He also became the 16th player in Wild history to record 20 goals on Friday. Despite missing 15 games this season, the Team USA captain is second on Minnesota with 38 points and is tied for first with eight multi-point games.

WHO'S NOT

CHARLIE COYLE

Though he ended his pointless stretch at eight games with an assist against the Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 27, Coyle is currently amidst one of the biggest droughts of his career. The 22-year-old former first round pick has just one assist in his last 10 games and hasn’t scored since Jan. 11 -- a span of 14 straight games.

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH

MIKAEL GRANLUND

The older brother to Flames forward Markus, Granlund has been especially good of late. The 22-year-old leads the Wild with 18 points since returning from an upper body injury on Dec. 22nd. He also led Finland at the 2014 Sochi Olympics with three goals and seven points in six games to help his country to a bronze. He was also one of three forwards named to the All-Tournament Team.

MIKKO KOIVU

After missing 17 games with a fractured ankle, Koivu is expected to return Monday against the Flames. The Minnesota captain, who was forced to miss the Olympics due to the injury, ranks third on the Wild with 35 points in 44 games this season. Koivu had eight points during a five-game point streak before sustaining the injury.

JASON POMINVILLE

Pominville has been Minnesota’s most productive skater this season, leading the Wild with 22 goals and 41 points this season. The 31-year-old has been hot of late, too, recording eight points in his past nine games and is second on the team with 17 points over the past 24 games.